About WCPA

President’s Welcome Message:

Welcome to the Wisconsin College Personnel Association (WCPA). WCPA has been around for nearly 50 years helping professionals around the higher education field develop in various ways.

Our mission is to provide low-cost, high quality professional development for the higher education community in Wisconsin. We are able to live out this mission through numerous avenues. Our Annual Fall Conference is held each year in October in the centrally located Wisconsin Dells. Student Affairs 101 is also offered during the tail end of the Fall Conference to help prepare the next generation of student affairs professionals. Our Professional Development Institute (PDI) occurs in the Spring each year at a different location each year. The one day, drive-in type conference typically covered one topic in depth. In years past we have covered assessment, students in transition, and mental health.

One way we live out our mission is to provide free membership. WCPA wants to be able to bring you these professional development opportunities at the lowest cost possible because we want you to be able to participate.

Please look through the WCPA webpage to gain more information about the organization and what we can offer you through membership. If you have any questions about any aspect of WCPA, please do not hesitate to send a quick email or give a call to any of the board members or commission chairs listed. We’re all looking forward to hearing from you!

Mission Statement:

WCPA is the premier, professional development home for higher education professionals serving students in Wisconsin.

WCPA Inclusion Statement:

WCPA welcomes individuals from all types of institutions and career fields related to higher education. WCPA affirms and supports the unique identities in our community by striving for inclusive excellence.

WCPA Values:

– Honoring and recognizing exceptional higher education professionals

– Opportunities for leadership and professional growth

– Mentoring current and aspiring professionals

– Economical, high-quality professional development programming

We demonstrate our values by:

– Recognizing exceptional contributions to the association and the profession

– Supporting emerging professionals through scholarships

– Fostering involvement and leadership opportunities for members

– Creating engaging professional development opportunities

– Initiating and renewing professional connections

History of WCPA

In 1971, the Wisconsin College Personnel Association was granted a charter by the American College Personnel Association. In 1971-72, under the leadership of interested student personnel workers, and with support from the Wisconsin Personnel and Guidance Association, the organization was formed. During the 1996 fiscal year, WCPA celebrated its 25th anniversary. Membership has grown over the years to over 330 members.

The Wisconsin College Personnel Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, affectional/sexual orientation, or disability in any of their policies, procedures, or practices. This non-discrimination policy covers membership and access to state programs and activities including but not limited to publications, workshops, and conferences.

Benefits

Involvement: WCPA provides you with opportunities to become involved as an officer, area representative, committee chair, or committee member.

Networking: WCPA recognizes the importance of networking by providing social opportunities during conferences, implementing a mentor program, and facilitating professional discussions.

Awards/Recognition: WCPA recognizes achievements and encourages programmatic excellence through presenting annual program awards. In addition to these awards WCPA also recognizes the outstanding contributions of a students affairs professional with the Annabelle E. Wolfe leadership award, named after one of the founding leaders of our organization.

Conferences: WCPA sponsors a number of professional and personnel development opportunities through the annual conference and drive-in workshops. Topics are as varied as our membership, and costs are kept low to encourage and support participation.

Web Page: The WCPA web page provides overall information on the organization as well as information on a variety of special programs, awards, legislative news and more. Check the web page often for the latest WCPA information.

Research/Program Development: Members are encouraged to apply for monies available to support new research and programs. Those receiving funding report on their progress at the annual fall conference. This is one additional way we encourage our members to be on the cutting edge of ideas and issues in our profession.